River Tweed River Report Week Ending 24th October
A very
windless week with almost 5 days with hardy a breath of wind, very unusual at
the best of times never mind the 3rd week of October, which made for
very pleasant fishing conditions. A couple of small rises over the course of
the week seems to kill the catches for whatever reason, unsettled residents or
minds on something else. The rises did bring a fair few leaves down the river
which are always a great pleasure at this time of year!! Overall not a bad week
for catches but most of them are now been caught on the upper river with over
half of the week’s catch being above Kelso again this week. I did hear of three
fresher fish this week two of which were small grilse, the vast majority of the
catch was again old river fish. There continues to be some good big fish been
reported with fish over 20lbs caught on most days. It’s good to see these big
fish about just be nice to have caught some of them when they were nice and
fresh. I do wonder where they hide?! The week ahead is looking a bit damp so
fingers crossed not to many days lost with flood/dirty water. Highly unlikely
especially given today’s rise in water levels but if anyone comes across an
Intermediate Clear Shooting Head below Upper North Wark it’s ours!
Mr
Douglas Galbraith fishing at Holylee landed a fresh grilse. Fishing at Dryburgh
Upper, Mr Chris Brown got the week started landed 2 fish from the Mungie Pool
the same pool continued to produce the goods when Jim Martin landed a nice
fish. But it was Simon Cassidy who landed the best fish from the pool, a superb
fish of 25lbs. Upper North Wark picked away landing 8 for the week with Mr Mike
Graham adding to his successful season on Tweed with 3 more taking his tally to
31 for the season. Mr Richard Farr 2, Mr Peter Stott 2 and Mr Ralph Holmes also
had success. On the Lees Mr Tim Springham landed a 23lber from the Learmouth
Stream and Mr Phil Lazell landed a 40” fish from the Dudddo on a Red Conehead
Fly.
Above Kelso 252 fish were reported, Between Kelso
and Coldstream 95 were reported and below Coldstream 84 were reported. With the
best fishing being on the Boleside and Lees beats where 21 Salmon were landed.
Tillmouth 17 also picked away during the week.
308 Salmon and 29 Sea Trout were landed for the week with the best fish 25lb Salmon
caught on the Dryburgh Upper beat.
The River Tweed Salmon
Fishing Museum opening times are as follows on Weekdays 10am – 4pm and on
Sundays 10am – 1pm.
If you catch a tagged
fish then please take a note of the tag number, this can be made easier by
taking a photo of the tag. To report a tagged fish please contact the Tweed
Foundation on 01896 848 277 or the Head Fishery Officer on 07884 230 045.
It’s
always good to hear how the fishers enjoy their experiences on the river,
please let us know about your catches and memorable moments of your trip. Below
is some first-hand feedback from anglers last week
Horncliffe
Plenty of fish about, sadly not many takers but continuously
exciting!
We had a splendid day, overall. I should say that Tony
Averill the ghillie is exceptional. In particular he gave crystal clear
instructions as to where to fish, probably the best I've ever had! Which is
invaluable. He was also very good at Covid-security. One grilse caught in the
Castle Stream Beat 1 near the top on an orange tube fly and several other pulls.
Looks like it was my one day salmon fishing in the year. And
what a day it was! 2 fresh Salmon 6lbs and 12lb, both caught on the fly, small
tube blue cascade
Pedwell
The ghillie was the best that we have encountered on any
river in Scotland. He knew his beat inside out and his love for the sport shone
through. It was a pleasure to meet the man.
As always Peters enthusiasm and knowledge made for a most enjoyable
two days in his company. We both came away with improved technique and we look
forward to returning to the beat next season.
Peter Lee the ghille was fantastic: he knew his beat very
well, was accurately able to point out where the fish lay and was on hand to
offer casting tips and advice. Much appreciated all round.
Boathouse and Canny
Only had time for a half day but great sport, 2 salmon caught.
VERY GOOD DAY ,GHILLIE WAS GREAT WITH ADVISE AND KNOWLEDGE,
HAVE BOOKED AGAIN 1 fish 22lbs
Ladykirk
Due to the flood on the Monday, we called off the fishing but
the Ghillie brought me back on Thursday. Caught one 15lb salmon on a Willie
Gunn conehead.
Milne Graden
Kevin and Lindsey are proper fishermen, taught us a lot and
we had 2 fantastic days. 7 salmon on a Francis.
Upper Hendersyde
A most enjoyable day thank you. No fish but that was
operator's error.
Robert the gillie was very helpful and a pleasure to fish with.
The hut was exceptional cleanliness and comfort. We had a great time.
Excellent ghillie, who did all he could to get a hold of a
fish.
Rutherford
Both Michael Farr and Peter were excellent. Very
knowledgeable, great sense of humour and tried hard to get us fish. My guest's
first Tweed salmon was a 25 pounder caught on a Willie Gunn Tube and I had a
17lber on a posh tosh tube.
I turned up to find the river running a big, dirty flood and
conditions pretty grim. There's not much a ghillie can do in these
circumstances other than offer condolences, but I really appreciated Michael's
stern safety warning - "you can fish from the bank, but if I see you with
your feet wet I'm sending you home!" Now there's a man who looks after his
rods!
Tweedswood
Kevin Patterson was a total superstar and could not have been
better. He really did make the trip as was the best ghillie I have ever met and
a really great character. What a superstar.
Such a beautiful beat. Easy to get to with very clear holding
pools and areas, many fish physically jumping over our lines. One of us was a
beginner and this was the perfect water to start double handed rod fishing.
Kevin was brilliant. Great company and entertainment as well as helping us out
with many questions. Kevin has been on the beat for nearly 29 years and knows
it incredibly well. Very focused on getting us a fish - it was almost certainly
our fault we didn't retain them on the line.
Lower Makerstoun
Both boatmen tried their very best and made our trip fun,
thank you.
Upper Makerstoun
Met by Lord Biddulph and welcomed in a much appreciated and
charming manner. We were very well looked after and could not have asked for
more. Six fish caught biggest 20 lbs on Red Francis and Willie Gunn Shrimp.
Bemersyde.
Beautiful spot and lovely fly water.
Our return visit and it did not disappoint. We will be back
again next season.
Ian as always could not have been more helpful and friendly,
best Ghillie on the Tweed. Andy was also fantastic it was great to get to know
him especially in the Dish. Catch 7 fish.
Bemersyde is very good in every way. Catch one salmon.
Excellent ghillies, very friendly ambience. 1 salmon 12lbs on
a size 8 dressed silver shrimp.
In these strange covid times, everything that could be done
was done. 1 salmon 7lbs on a small red francis.
Dryburgh Lower.
David could not have been more helpful, he tried his best to
get me a fish, but sadly they were not in an obliging mood.
We will be coming back to the Lower Dryburgh next year.
David is a Great Ghillie worked hard and a pleasure to be
with.
Great fishing with David in a beautiful spot.
Dryburgh Upper.
A privilege to fish this water.
Very pretty beat, maintained to a high standard. Brian and
Neil were very good and professional. They both took the CV19 rules and
restrictions very seriously. My wife and I will definitely be coming back.
The help from both ghillies was brilliant. Well above the
norm and they are the reason I will return.
A good variety of fishing challenges managed by two charming
top notch ghillies. Looking forward to returning next year. Four salmon and two
sea trout.
Brian and Neil were 2 of the best Ghillies that I have come
across in my many years of angling. 2 fish, (14lb and 12lb), both on Red
Frances.
Great fishing with David in a beautiful spot.
Sunderland Hall.
1 salmon caught in Dovecotes pool on a Willie Gunn tube
Ashiestiel.
Lovely beat, Dave Prentice is very helpful. Lots of
fish seen but they didn't like our flies!
Traquair.
6 fish caught.
Fairnilee
Best upper Tweed beat with lots of water and variety in
pools. Mark is very welcoming.
You wouldn't think there was any more to be done on the beat
but every year Mark makes improvements and this year was no exception -
stunning improvement to the 'hut'. One salmon and one sea trout
Holylee.
Always a great pleasure to fish with Jake, he makes the beat
what it is. 2 salmon both 16lbs each and 2 salmon lost.
Horsbrugh.
Very good value fishing, lots of salmon on this stretch of
Tweed.
Fantastic beat on the Tweed if the cost of ticket is a
consideration. 1 fish at 8lb.
Nest.
First time to the beat, will be back as some lovely pools.
Very good ghillie who knows the water and manages it well!
4 salmon all on the fly near the bottom of the beat
Great day out, river in good condition and will fish this
beat again.
Colin has excellent knowledge of the beat and provided plenty
of good advice, he also helped me to improve my casting
Glenormiston.
River dark and coloured due to the continuous rain. Seen
several large fish heading upstream. Will return, hopefully in better
conditions.
Doug makes everyone welcome. Really good value pretty beat.
Speak to Douglas and he will get you on the fish also Anne at
fishpal amazing customer service
Yair
A very enjoyable trip, and a beat I will definitely be
returning to. Alan the ghillie is very knowledgeable and a gentleman. Oliver
the owner was also on hand to give advice and support. A very friendly and
relaxing atmosphere. 1 sea trout and 1 salmon on cascade tube.
Peebleshire Trout
Great day out will most likely end up with a season ticket
for here next year. Salmon on a 3wt was interesting. 2 grayling 1 salmon
Tweedswood Head Ghillie Mr Kevin Patterson reports “Well
thanks to everyone that’s come along and supported Tweedswood fished very hard
put up with different things i.e. Covid it’s been hard but you all have made it
work and have made no fuss at all we have just ploughed along . with the
autumnal colours in top flight and the leaves doing all they can to drive us
crazy it’s good to think that as the next week drifts into November that we
have had our fun Tweedswood can’t complain as it’s been tough going some days
and easy others but the one thing that is very evident is there is no fresh
back end salmon again they have been replaced by a strange mix of large and
small very coloured salmon since mid-August not one fresh out of our catches
which is so strange the early spring fish then a summer run followed by a bit
interesting mixed fishing in July where fresh salmon were evident along with
Flamingos ,Swans, crocodiles, and every other type of floating swimming aide .
Camping barbeques and picnickers July was crazy one day there was over 60 folks
swimming in the bridge pool so that was interesting to say the least but salmon
were evidently in good no's and a few grilse as well . August was poor Sept
woke up and we found the recipe in October the Frances any colour any size but
right on the bottom with a downstream mend they couldn't get enough of it and
we did very well 101 fly caught salmon up till tonight .
Going forward next week’s going to be tough as
the rivers up and there’s heavy rain most days in the head waters leaves are
killing the fun a bit but we will crack on as fully booked next week then slip
into November its game over for November and do we really need to hammer away
at the salmon any longer we know what we are catching and we know that they
need all the energy to spawn and give us the chance to keep going in future
years. Lots of fish are spawning and we will start catching kelts this coming
week they arrived on time 18th Oct top of Boiler stream and have got straight
on to it some will be finished so kelts will be very evident going into
November .Hope this rise sets them on their way if going any further river
spawning fish seem to be the new norm but they are well spread out up the
system .Some beats are calling it a day
and to be honest its fair play to them i have mixed feelings the chance is
still there but like other Novembers the Tweed closes its self and some will
still venture out for a final cast . My advice is wait to get the leaves out
the way a settled water and fair height and a last day of the season but that’s
it.
My rods are cleaned lines away I am not wanting
anymore it’s been a fun season and the New owner has had a great start and a
lot of it goes down to his investment he’s put in letting me construct the
three new Tweedswood croys what a difference . It’s only the start we have huge
plans in coming season and the hut will be totally refurbished plus area around
the lodge full make over and another huge investment in river works at the
boiler. It’s a great credit to a new owner to go full scale but what we’ve
achieved in such a short time 5 months is unreal and we are starting the full
field and entrance land scape starts next week there's so much going to be
happening thank you all and see you all in 2021. Well here’s to going into the unknown again Stay Safe Aye Kevin.”
Bemersyde
Head Ghillie Mr Ian Farr reports “We had mixed weather last week, starting with
settled water on the Monday: 1’6” and perfect, but the rain sent the levels up
and spoiled the fishing until Wednesday. As it dropped back we started catching
the fish, ending the week with 13! Most were on a tube fly, 1.5” and others
were on a dressed fly, fast tip type 2.
We also had a fish with a tag in it – one of Ian
Farr’s – tagged in July in the same pool.
On Monday this week, we were at 1’6” on the
gauge and had two fish on the bank, both on Red Francis tubes. We fished deep
on Tuesday, with the water rising up to 2’ on the gauge but clear, with one
fish out of the Boat Pool”
Lower
Birgham Head Boatman Mr Tom Davis reports “Well the end of another week, and
similar results to the week before. We landed 7 fish this last week including a
PB 24lb cock fish. All fish were safely landed and returned to the river to go
up continues with their journey. There is a feeling up and down the river that
the fish in the system that were relatively free taking A month ago have
remembered what they are in the river for and have switched off taking our
flies for more important things. There were a few but very welcome fresh fish
seen and caught in one or two beats last week which certainly was nice to see
something fresh in the pictures. The other thing is it’s amazing when we get
into the late autumn and fish getting aggressive and taking flies that they
have sometimes spent months resisting and ignoring and how many big fish are in
the river system. I always ask the question of ‘where have they been since they
came in fresh?’ And ‘I wonder if that fish I had on briefly was one of the big
fish?’ 2 answers we will never know and the constant questions and not knowing
are some of the true beauties of our sport... this week could be a wet week
looking at the forecast but hope fully the showers divert away or pass over
quickly and we don’t lose too much fishing. As restrictions around the UK
tightening and changing. It is more important for us all to do the
right/correct thing. We have been so lucky to stay fishing most of the time
under all our restrictions in 2020 and with 5 weeks of the season left I hope
we can continue to do the right thing. Tight lines. Tom”
On Upper North Wark, 8 fish landed for the week and
plenty more chances especially at the start of the week that unfortunately
never made it to the net. Mr Mike Graham landed fish of 16lbs and 5lbs from the
Snipe and a 14lber from the Dub all on a ½” Red Frances. Mr Richard Farr landed
a 13lber in the Mill Stream on a size 10 Red Frances Double and a 7lber from
the Back of the Isle on a 12 Black and Yellow. Mr Peter Stott landed a 13lber
and a fresh grilse from the Dub on a Posh Cascade Conehead and Mr Ralph Holmes
left it late before landing a grilse on an Olivia copper tube. Nice to get a
bit of action with a rather damp looking forecast ahead time will tell how much
fishing we get done. Spring 2021 is filling up very fast with only 11 empty
days before May, so if you want to fish with us in the Spring don’t delay and
get in touch. Any enquiries or booking
requests please call Martin on 07825334427.
Lees Head Boatman Mr Malcolm Campbell reports “Not a
bad week all in all, 24 landed sadly all bar one coloured, Tim Springham caught
the only clean one a 23lb cock from Learmouth stream, Saturday was the surprise
day as we never had a touch all morning but ended up with 6 at close of play
the best being a 25lb cock from Duddo stream caught by Phil Lazell, the fish
was 40" long and took a red conehead tube. For full report go to Lees page
on tweedbeats and look for Malcolm’s fishing reports. Also follow tweedbeats on
instagram for latest clips and pics”
We are blessed in this area to have some superb local fishing
tackle shops that are well worth a visit the superb well stocked Borders Gunroom
in St Boswells. I would recommend for a rummage round which and find out from
the local staff what’s currently doing the damage on the river and lochs.
After any fishing trip on the Tweed it’s always worth a trip
to Kelso to enjoy a superb meal with great atmosphere in the fabulous Contented
Vine restaurant. I would highly recommend it as a must visit during your trip.
Call 01573 224777 to reserve your table. (Hopefully
re-opening on the 2nd November)
The stunning Saddler Cottage, located within the grounds of
Tillmouth Park in now under new ownership. Suitable for fishers and families
this lovely cottage is very handily placed for fishing the Lower and Bottom
Tweed beats. If you would like more information please check out the link https://www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com/properties/saddler-cottage/
The week
ended with the level at Sprouston 3ft 7” and the water temperature is 47.
Looking
at the availability for this coming week I would recommend Tweedswood, Dryburgh
Upper, Bemersyde, Junction, Upper Hendersyde and Upper North Wark beats should have
a chance of some action this week.
The
forecast this coming week, Tomorrow, it will be breezy and
cloudy with showers around at first. Into the afternoon, the showers will
become isolated and it will become drier with some sunshine towards the end of
the day. A wet day is expected on Tuesday with a front bringing a band of rain
in from the west. As rain clears away to the east, scattered showers and clear
spells will continue on Wednesday as wind increase. Some heavy or thundery
showers are likely. Thursday will likely see some cloudy skies and some more
persistent rain later in the day.
As always
I would like to thank all those who provide me with the information to make
this report, it is very much appreciated. If you have any information or
photo’s you would like included please get in touch with Martin on 07825334427
or info@taysalmonfly.co.uk
Look at
what to bring for the week ahead, looking at the weather for this coming week the
water levels could fluctuate throughout the week. It could be a case of bring
every line with you just incase but a rough guide an Intermediate line Wet Cel
2 with assorted poly leaders should suffice on most beats, Red Frances, Black
and Yellow, Black Frances, Black and Orange, Junction Shrimp and Snaelda are all
capable to tempting fish on 1/2” – 2” tubes. The river is now Fly Only until
the end of the season
As always
come prepared and always listen to the advice of your boatman or ghillie. If
you’re needing to top up your fly box ahead of your trip please check out
www.taysalmonfly.co.uk
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Season So
Far catches (This figure is a rough guide and does not include fish caught
during the Lockdown period 24th March to 12th May)
Total
catch last week: 308 Salmon & 29 Sea
Trout
Total
caught so far this season: 8066 Salmon and 1158 Sea Trout
As
reported on Fishtweed:-
(Biggest
Salmon 30lb Holylee) (Tweedmill 32lb, Norham Castle Syndicate 31lb)
(Biggest
Sea Trout 15lb Drygrange)
www.taysalmonfly.co.uk
For all your Salmon Fishing Flies visit our Tay Salmon Fly Website please click here
If you wish to contact us you can do so by clicking here
To book or enquire about fishing on the Upper North Wark beat on the River Tweed please give Martin a call on 07825 334427
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